Health product retailer Holland & Barrett has said that it saw growth throughout the business in the past year, driven by investment in new stores and new propositions such as Free From food offerings.
The chain, which opened as a grocery shop in the 19th century, reported turnover of £368.8 million in the year to the end of September 2014, 5.5% ahead of the same time last year. Meanwhile, pre-tax profits grew by or 6%, to £89.5 million.
Chris Keen, chief finance officer for Holland & Barrett International, said: "These strong results follow significant investment in the UK as well as overseas markets.
"A combination of acquisition and expansion through franchising means we are now operating well over 1,000 stores worldwide, with approaching 100 franchise stores in nine territories, from Iceland to Dubai.
"We are seeing growth across all channels and in all markets, and our investment in new stores and new propositions such as Free From food in the new Holland & Barrett More concept stores puts us in a strong position to leverage the global trend of healthy living and wellness."
